Police are continuing to pursue all lines of enquiry after two people died during a fire in Alton.

We were called at 4am on Monday 14 April to the fire, which occurred at a house in Heron Close.

Firefighters and police attended but, sadly, a man in his 90s and a woman in her 80s were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their next of kin have been informed.

An investigation was launched alongside Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire and establish the circumstances of what took place.

As part of our investigation, officers arrested a 16 year-old boy from Alton on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed with conditions while we continue to make further enquiries.

We continue to urge anyone who may have information that could assist with our enquiries to contact police.

Detective Superintendent Danielle Daltrey, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a tragic incident that will undoubtedly cause concern for local residents in Alton.

“We want people to remain reassured that we are investigating this incident as an absolute priority. Officers have been working to follow up every available line of enquiry, including reviewing CCTV, and speaking to anyone who has information that could assist us.

“We have arrested someone as part of this investigation, and our enquiries will continue as we develop the bigger picture around what exactly has occurred.

“Did you witness anyone behaving suspiciously in the area between midnight and 5am on 14 April? Do you have any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which may show anyone behaving suspiciously in the area around this time?

“If you have any information at all, no matter how small, please get in contact with us.”

If you have any information which could assist with our investigation, please report this to us through the public portal using the link below:

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC25E03-PO1

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org